Fear of Crime and Quality of Life: A Test of Garofalo and Laub's Model

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of whether fear of crime is distinct from, or part of, quality of life. Through a factor analysis of data taken from a police foot patrol evaluation study conducted (1979-1981) in Flint, Michigan, it was found that the quality-of-life model can be partially supported since fear of crime was not separate from other concerns about the neighborhood. It is recommended that in future studies the quality-of-life issue be considered in measuring residents'fear of crime in their neighborhoods.